Sixers Title Odds: Do They Have a Chance?

With their first-round match-up against the Nets solidified, the 76ers are the third-favorite to come out of the East at +350, behind both Milwaukee (+150) and Toronto (+220). As reported by SBD, they are fifth in the NBA title odds, but at a distant +1600.

Thanks to the might of the Warriors, it’s a common trend among Eastern Conference teams in recent years to have title odds that are significantly worse than conference-championship odds. This year may be an all-time high for that trend. Philly’s conference-championship odds give them a 22.2% chance to win the East, but their NBA-title odds give them only a 5.9% chance to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Taking Out the TrashIf the Sixers are going to be legit Finals contenders, they have to handle inferior teams. Although the Nets have played Philadelphia quite competitively this season, there’s no reason this series should go more than five games. Contain Russell and coast into the second round.

Philadelphia’s key players have played quite well against Brooklyn in 2018-19:

East EliteThis might end up being the toughest stage for the Sixers to bring home the Larry O’Brien. Philadelphia will have to not only knock off a team like the Raptors but would likely face Milwaukee or Boston in the series right after. This Brett Brown coached team will have to be on their ‘A’ Game for 10+ games straight. As mentioned before, SBD gives the Sixers a 22.2% (3rd best) chance of conquering the Eastern Conference and with the talent on this roster that should come as no surprise.

Mighty Mighty West

Let’s be honest here, if the Sixers make the Finals they’ll likely be going against the reigning champs and that will be no easy task. In season’s past, Philadelphia has played Golden State quite nicely. You can make an argument that the Sixers starting five is the best suited to beat the Warriors in a 7 game series. If production could be found off the bench and the core players in Simmons, Butler, Harris and Embiid perform up to par, they could make that Finals series a very competitive one.